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‘10,000 Small Businesses’ is coming to Iowa

10,000 Small Businesses, a program that provides training and resources to early-stage businesses, is coming to Iowa for the first time beginning in January 2019.

Accepted applicants will receive hands-on education for business growth, access to highly-trained, small business professionals and an expanded peer network of small business owners from across the country. The program is provided at no cost and offered in partnership with DMACC and Iowa’s other community colleges.

The program will consist of two three-month cohorts of 40 participants each. The first cohort will begin in January and the second will begin in April.

“We were chosen because of our central Iowa location, but also because we have a history of leading statewide large projects with the other community colleges,” Rob Denson, President of DMACC said. “And Iowa’s community colleges are unique in that we work together extremely well. We realize that what’s good for one section of Iowa is good for the entire state.”

Eligible businesses have to have been in operation for at least two years, have at least $100,000 in revenues and employ at least two employees.

The program currently operates in 16 cities across the U.S. through a network of more than 100 academic and community partners, and the program continues to expand. This will be the first time that the program has been done statewide.

“We look at this as a tremendous opportunity for the state of Iowa to be able to provide this kind of training for small business owners,” Karen Stiles, Business Solutions Consultant at DMACC said.

Qualified prospects can apply online and gather additional information about the program. Applications for the first cohort are due by Monday, Oct. 15.